Thursday, April 28, 2016

Big news is all around us this week at Disney! Today Disney released the newly themed video for Soarin' Around the World which re-opens this summer.

As most of you know, Soarin' Around the World has been closed since this past winter as the Disney imagineers have been hard at work adding a new third track to the Epcot location in Walt Disney World.

Soarin' Over California is the ever popular ride in Grizzly Peak at California Adventure in Disneyland. The new themed video for California Adventure will debut on June 17th! Be sure to check it out!

Both parks are getting a brand new themed experience this summer once it re-opens and it's sure to delight.

Check out the video released today below to see the new sights you'll soon be Soarin' over.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

The promotions just keep rolling in this week from Disney. Today Disney released Early Booking Rate savings on select Adventures by Disney itineraries.

You can book early and save up to $500 per person on select Adventures by Disney 2017 departures! Book now through June 18, 2016 for departures Jan. 1 – Dec. 10, 2017 (excluding July 1-31, 2017):

So what is Adventures by Disney you ask? It is a tour guided customized trip featuring the excellent customer service you know and love from the Disney brand. Itineraries take you all over the US, as well as Europe, Asia, Africa, and more. It is the only way to travel internationally.

As someone who personally loves to travel I want to see all that this world has to offer, however, it's intimidating book a trip internationally, especially when you have never been there.

Adventures by Disney takes that intimidation away and throws it right out the window, replacing it with faith, trust, and pixie dust. You never have to worry about accommodations, food, or seeing the sights on these guided tours. You are also treated like a VIP from booking to return.

It is my preferred method of international travel for sure and now that ABD is offering such steep discounts its a great way to book a VIP trip and save money too!!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

As reported previously here Traveling Through Disney stated that Disney had postponed the opening of Rivers of Light the new nighttime show at Animal Kingdom. When a press conference was held early this week highlighting all of the new summer offerings for Disney parks our speculations that Rivers of Light would not open in May were confirmed.

Late last night, Disney released a new nighttime show and attractions coming to Animal Kingdom called Animal Kingdom Awakens at Night. The new show will be centered around The Jungle Book with a live musical performance.

This also opens up the sunset safari on Kilimanjaro Safaris, nighttime street parties, and other special entertainers at night.

We do expect that Rivers of Light will open eventually as they continue testing and rehearsing for the show. However, Disney being the perfectionist that it is decided to go with another more secure plan for the summer. Rivers of Light construction is on-going and it has been speculated that the system that controls the floats is having on-going issues that they cannot get under control.

Animal Kingdom Awakens at Night will debut Memorial Day 2016. More information about this new offering is listed below. Stay here for more details as they become available.

From Disney writer Jennifer Fickley-Baker

Starting this Memorial Day Weekend, guests will be able to enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a whole new way – after the sun goes down! Whether it’s riding Kilimanjaro Safaris at sunset, venturing down Kali River Rapids at twilight, dancing alongside African performers in Harambe, or reveling in a live musical celebration of Disney’s hit film “The Jungle Book,” park guests have a lot to look forward to.

Here’s a taste of what to expect:

“Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” Show – For the summer, Discovery River will become the stage for a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film “The Jungle Book.” “Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” is filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

Photo Credit Disney

The Tree of Life Awakens – Disney Parks Blog author Thomas Smith previously shared the first look at this amazing sight, in which the park’s iconic Tree of Life undergoes an extraordinary “awakening.” You can expect to see animal spirits come to life throughout the evening by magical fireflies. Each scene appears to emanate from within the tree itself and reveals stories of wonder.

Kilimanjaro Safaris After Dark – Guests can enjoy Kilimanjaro Safaris in the evening hours, thanks to special lighting that will allow guests to explore the savanna – and its inhabitants – well into the night.

Harambe Wildlife Parti – Guests can turn into “party animals” at the Harambe Wildlife Parti and enjoy lively African music, exotic foods and drinks, and explore the local marketplace.

Discovery Island Carnivale – On Discovery Island, guests can join the local community in their celebration of their love for nature in this party that features music, dancers, stilt walkers, food and more.

Tiffins – Guests can enjoy the park’s newest eatery, Tiffins, for both lunch and dinner. Check out this previous post for a peek at what to expect from the menu.

Nighttime Attractions – The park’s attractions, now operating in the nighttime hours, will take on a whole new life. For the first time, guests will be able to experience the thrill of attractions like Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids – surrounded by darkness. They’ll also be able to enjoy colorful midway games and attractions in DinoLand, U.S.A.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

You can save up to $500 per person on select Adventures by Disney® 2017 departures when they book April 20-June 18, 2016 for departures Jan. 1-Dec. 10, 2017 (excluding July 1-31, 2017).

For more details on this amazing offer email us today at s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Note: Booking is subject to conditions and restrictions. Early Booking Rate cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or promotions. Not valid for group bookings. Offer is subject to change without notice. Bookings subject to Adventures by Disney’s standard Terms & Conditions.

Today on the blog we are in full review mode and taking a look back at our WDW trip in late March. On this trip we experienced a special ticketed event called Club Villain. This special event takes you up close and personal with the Disney Villains. Specifically, Cruella De Vile, The Evil Queen, Maleficent, and the Queen of Hearts.

Your host for the evening is that ever evil Shadow Man, Dr. Facillier from the Princess and the Frog. His club manager, Kanzo keeps the party rolling all night and makes sure you are fully entertained.

The club features a DJ spinning all the right tunes to put you in the mood and also a full bar with 4 specialty drinks themed after each queen of darkness. A gourmet buffet fit with voodoo sticky pig wings, chicken gumbo, cajun shrimp and grits, and beef tenderloin will certainly fill you up.

Shall we dive in to the review now that you are intrigued?

The party takes place inside of Sunset Showcase directly next door to Rock N Roller Coaster. You have to go through a huge gate to enter so you can easily miss it if the line for Rock N Roller Coaster is long.

Upon entering you check in and are handed a invitation with your meet and greet time for each queen. It also lists your table number as well. Waiters are available outside for a champagne drink or for kids a small water.

Once the party opens you are able to enter and find your table number. From here you can go get a drink at the bar, take pictures on the thrones of each queen, or belly up to the buffet and get your grub on!

After everyone has entered you are then greeted by Dr. Facillier and his club manager Kanzo. They perform and welcome you to the dark side. Each queen of darkness is then introduced and makes her way to her throne.

You are invited to eat, drink, be evil, and most importantly have fun! As your time approaches you can then get in line for the meet and greets with each queen. Up first for us was Maleficent and Cruella.

Maleficent is my favorite queen of dark by far! I love her and we had such a good time meeting her. She spoke about making sure to watch out for needles they are very sharp and you can sleep for a long time.

Cruella was very animated and loved having everyone here to see her. She said no matter what others said it was totally her party. She spoke to our princess about training her for dog napping. She said they could set up a lunch and discuss the proper ways to do so.

After our first meet and greets we headed back to the bar for the signature cocktails of Ms. Maleficent and Cruella. Maleficent's drink was by far my favorite of the night. It reminded me of hawaiian punch. It was very light and delicious! I can't remember the name of it or what was in it, sorry! Cruella's drink was also quite good. It tasted like milk and was called the spotted dalmatian.

Up next for meet and greets was the fabulous Queen of Hearts. She was probably our favorite character of the week. She was so funny and wonderful. She talked to us for quite a while and even left to go join the dance party for just a moment. Our little princess wanted to discuss with her the removing of heads if she should see fit. The Queen of Hearts loved this, but made sure to tell her she's only allowed to reward good behavior at Club Villain. She said when she gets older she would call her and enroll her in training. She was lovely and hilarious!! As you can judge by our photos.

The Evil Queen was probably the most unfriendly of all but she is supposed to be right? We told her we were the fairest of them all and she said maybe in our mirrors at home but definitely not to her mirror. We spent the least time with her as she just asked us for a photo and said off you go.

We then took to the desert tables. There were 2 of them on either side of the room. You had to visit each table to find out what the specialty desert was. We enjoyed the chocolate mouse and puppy tart from Cruella, Maleficent was a chocolate with green icing cupcake, as well as this delicious green pudding that sparkled! The Queen of Hearts featured a heart red macaroon, and of course red velvet cupcakes.

We finished up the party by dancing to some crazy good tunes!! And we spent some more time with Maleficent just because we could! All in all the party took about 2 hours from start to finish.

We enjoyed our experience very much and felt like it was worth the splurge on this trip. It was nice to be indoors and be waited on as well as get away from the hustle and bustle of the parks. We never once felt rushed and were able to really relax and have fun at the party. The character experiences were amazing as well. They do not rush you and we never had to wait in line which was another great thing. The food was delicious as well as the drinks. It was great to have an unlimited, relaxing, and fun experience with the whole family. We would definitely recommend this special ticketed event to anyone who loves a good party but especially those that love the villains.

Club Villain is currently available through May right now and may be extended. The price tag is $129 per person, no discount for children. Club Villain is recommended for ages 9 and up as it can be a bit scary for smaller children. All food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included. There are photographers on site as well.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Today we are veering off the Disney track and taking a trip over to Las Vegas. Las Vegas has long been known as the adult Disney but did you know now more than ever there are more attractions geared towards kids than ever?

So whether you visit with your kids or just adults Las Vegas is sure to delight!!

Today I priced out a long weekend trip over Memorial Day weekend and I loved seeing how affordable this trip is. I'm thinking about taking a girls trip out to Vegas and living it up!!

Vegas has some of the best food, shopping, and of course the shows!! Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and more all now call Vegas their resident showplace.

Take a look at the quote below and then if this sounds like something you would be interested in email me today so we can get you booked!!

Vegas Memorial Day Weekend Trip Quote

Check In: 5/27/16 - 5/31/16

Roundtrip airfare on Southwest Airlines

Flight Departs: 5pm with an arrival time of 11pm in Vegas

5 Days/4 Nights Accommodations at The Linq Resort and Casino

Deluxe Room with 2 Doubles, Non-Smoking - Up to 4 Adults

Current promotion: 25% off room with 2 or more night stay + $50 food and beverage credit

2 Free Checked Bags on Southwest Airlines

Earn Rapid Rewards Points for Free Flights

Total Package: $860 per person

Add round trip transfers from airport to resort and back for $14 per person

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

This morning we were met with brand new itineraries from the Disney Cruise Line! In 2017 Disney Cruise Line will set sail along 2 new routes including Alaska and Europe. These two cruises will be the first time visits to this locations.

Alaska Destination: Icy Strait and Hubbard Glacier

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will take guests to Alaska's Icy Strait Point and Hubbard Glacier. These dramatic locations are part of a new nine-night itinerary on the Disney Wonder. Departing fromVancouver, British Columbia, on July 24, 2017, this itinerary also sails to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Icy Strait Point offers a variety of Alaska nature adventures, including a zip line attraction that is one of the longest and highest zip lines in the world. Nearby, Glacier Bay National Park is a spectacular highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another highlight of this cruise is seeing Hubbard Glacier, the largest and most active tidewater glacier in North America. Displaying extraordinary blue hues and immense beauty, this spectacular glacier is more than six miles wide where it meets the ocean.

A new seven-night Alaska sailing from Vancouver, departing July 17, 2017, includes a call on Icy Strait Point, in addition to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. On Aug. 2, 2017, the Disney Wonder will sail its first five-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Tracy Arm and Ketchikan.

New Europe Destinations: Amsterdam and Stonehenge

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will visit Amsterdam, Netherlands, known for its elaborate canal system, tulip fields, windmills and world-class museums housing works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.

On May 13, 2017, the Disney Magic embarks on a 15-night transatlantic crossing from Port Canaveral,Florida, to Copenhagen, with a stop in Amsterdam along the way. This itinerary also includes a call onPortland, England – another first-time port for Disney Cruise Line. Portland is a short distance from Stonehenge, the prehistoric ring of standing stones monument that is one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.

A visit to Amsterdam also will be part of a 10-night northern Europe itinerary that departs June 18, 2017, from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Dover, England. Other ports on this sailing include Warnemunde (Berlin),Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia.

The grand tour of Europe continues throughout the summer with limited engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, Iceland, British Isles and the Mediterranean.

Also new are the 10 and 11 night itineraries from Port Canaveral to Southern Caribbean.

On June 17, 2017, a new 11-night itinerary will visit Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, Tortola and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

On June 28, 2017, a new 10-night itinerary will call on Aruba, Curacao, St. Kitts, Tortola and Castaway Cay.

As always your favorite Bahamas cruises for 4 and 5 nights will still be available as well.

Contact your travel agent today or contact me for a free no obligation quote! These cruises will be open for booking beginning April 14th, this FRIDAY!!

Monday, April 11, 2016

Happy Monday morning Traveling Through Disney family! How was everyone's weekend? I hope it was as great as ours, the only thing that could have made it better was being at Disney!

I wanted to veer off course from reviewing our past trip this week to bring you a few reviews of our favorite restaurants and special events we participated in on our trip.

First up for today is Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Cinderella's Castle. There is also another one on Walt Disney World property at Disney Springs inside the Wide World of Disney store.

For our trip though we visited Cinderella's Castle.

I made the reservations about 120 days in advance to make sure we had a reservation. Note: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a reservation only salon. You have to call and setup an appointment prior to your arrival. To do that you can contact your travel agent or you can call Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique directly at: (407) 939-7895.

Upon making your reservations you will be asked to choose a package. The packages start at $59.95 per girl and are listed below.

The Crown Package (starting at $59.95 plus tax)

Hairstyling

Shimmering make-up, face gem

Princess sash and tote

Nail polish

The Courtyard Package (starting at $94.95 plus tax)

Hairstyling

Shimmering make-up, face gem

Princess sash and tote

Nail polish

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique T-shirt

Trendy tutu

The Castle Package (starting at $194.95 plus tax)

Hairstyling

Shimmering make-up, face gem

Princess sash and tote

Nail polish

Complete costume of your choice plus accessories (shoes not included)

Guests can also choose:

The Knight Package ($19.95 plus tax)

Hairstyling with gel

Mighty sword and shield

Confetti

We chose the Crown package for our little one and set the reservation on the day and time that we knew we would be in Magic Kingdom. Done and Done! I bought my daughter a Belle costume prior to arriving at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and brought it with us to cut down on spending a fortune on a dress in the shop. They are pricey!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is located right inside Cinderella's Castle on the left side if you come from Main Street and the right side if you come from Fantasyland. It is directly across the hall from Sir Mickey's. Upon arrival you check in at the desk with a Fairy Godmother in training and are asked to take a seat in the waiting area. Side note: If you bring a dress to change into please let the Fairy Godmother in Training know so she can add a dressing room to be ready for you.

We sat for maybe 10 minutes or so and then our Princess was called back to get changed. Note: An adult does need to be with the child to go in the dressing room to help her. Once we were changed into our gown we went back out in the waiting area. It took about 20 minutes from the time we checked in until we were called back again to get dolled up.

There is a small sitting area for parents to sit while their child gets transformed into a Princess or Knight. All in all it takes about 45 to 60 minutes from top to bottom for the reservation so make sure you allot enough time.

The Fairy Godmother's in Training are all so nice and energetic. They make your child feel welcome and at ease during the whole process. The Fairy Godmother's in Training all switch out after 1 or 2 clients so they are fully refreshed and cheery.

There is a photopass photographer that goes around to all of the children taking pictures. They give you a card once your child is finished and you can take it across the street next to Castle Couture to get some really precious photos.

We really enjoyed our Fairy Godmother and tips are always appreciated for a job well done although you do not have to tip.

Our package was the crown package so my daughter got: a princess sash, a hairstyle with a crown, makeup, nails painted, and pixie dust for the road!

Here are some of the amazing photos we got on our Memory Maker from the experience.

We cannot say enough good things about our Fairy Godmother in Training and also the photopass photographer at Castle Couture. They were both so nice and truly made my daughter's experience magical. As my lovely daughter is entering the age where she is no longer a little girl this is probably the last time we will get to do this experience.

We loved it though and the icing on the cake was getting to have dinner at Be Our Guest all dressed up like Belle. The beast was very pleased. :)

So if you are looking for an added extra to your vacation and want your daughter or son to have the full Prince/Princess vibe then definitely book a reservation for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. It is those memories after all that you will have forever. I can honestly say that my daughter will probably always remember her experience.

Friday, April 8, 2016

Happy Friday Traveling Through Disney family! Today the dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party have been released. Tickets are not on sale just yet. This special event is separate from your entry ticket into Magic Kingdom. It features a special parade, meet and greets from rare and favorite characters, and also a great firework show!This is one of the highly rated events of the holiday season! Crowds are very low at the beginning of November and December so take advantage of this special event and low crowds at the same time!More information to follow once it is released.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Has anyone been watching the Wheel this week and noticed those amazing beach resorts?

It's Sandals!

Email me for more information or for a free quote! s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Sandals Resorts and America’s #1 game show, Wheel of Fortune, have partnered up for its 7th consecutive year to host Wheel of Fortune’s Sandals Resorts Week, where contestants will spin to win their way to the Caribbean.

Each night during the week of April 4–8, Wheel of Fortune will take a closer look at the beauty, luxury and fun of Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean by transforming the set of America’s Game® into a tropical paradise. Contestants will spin and solve to win the ultimate No Worry island escape: A Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resorts Luxury Included® Caribbean Vacation.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Disney has confirmed this morning that Rivers of Light and other nighttime experiences that were set to open on April 22nd will be postponed.

Disney expected the experiences to be ready to debut in late April but are experiencing some setbacks that will not allow the experiences to debut as originally planned.

Expect for a new opening date to come in mid-May as they work out all of the kinks in the experiences. This set back mainly relates to Rivers of Light.

When the Traveling Through Disney family was there back in late March we assumed this announcement would be forthcoming. The amphitheater did not look anywhere close to being done and much construction was still being done.

Disney has been testing out and rehearsing the show for anticipation of a mid-May opening date,, check out the video below to get a sneak peak!